Bridgestone to Increase Production Capacity of Adhesive Film for Solar Modules

Bridgestone Corporation announced that it will strengthen production capacity of EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) film at its Iwata Plant in Iwata City, Shizuoka. This move is in response to growing demand for EVA film used as an adhesive film for solar modules. Bridgestone has earmarked approximately ¥5.4 billion for investment in the project, with plans to begin increasing production in early 2011. Combined with the previously announced expansion plan in April, 2008 which will begin increasing production in late 2010, Bridgestone will have boosted production capacity by roughly 3 times relative to current levels, once underway. Total monthly production of EVA film will be around 3,000 tons.

Amid rising concerns over global warming caused by greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, photovoltaic power generation is becoming increasingly important from the perspective of environmental protection. This is because it is a clean energy system that does not release any waste emissions during the power generation process. In recent years, demand for solar modules has skyrocketed worldwide, and in line with this, demand for EVA film for use as an adhesive for solar modules has also grown dramatically.

EVA film is used to fasten the silicon cell (which converts the sun’s rays to electricity) to the glass surface through heat-induced molecular binding. EVA film becomes transparent and colorless upon heating, while its waterproof nature and strength against ultraviolet rays makes it an ideal adhesive film for solar modules outdoors.

At Bridgestone, environmental activities are one of management’s top priorities, and are viewed as indispensable in achieving the management goal to “establish the status of being the undisputed world No.1 tire and rubber company both in name and reality”. EVA film is one product borne from such activities. Bridgestone considers increasing production capacity of this product further as the need arises in line with projected growth in demand for solar modules.